Charles Francis Adams to Right Hon. Earl Russell, August 19, 1864

Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.

My Lord: It is with very great regret that I find myself compelled to call the attention of your lordship to the abuse made of the neutrality of the island of Bermuda by the vessels under the direction of the insurgents in the United States, in making it a base for hostile operations against the commerce of a friendly nation. I have the honor to submit to your consideration the copy of an extract from a report of Mr. Allen, consul of the United States at that place, to the Secretary of State, in which he makes certain statements respecting the reception there of the gunboat known under the name of the Florida, and her subsequent proceedings, which appear to be directly in violation of the regulations heretofore laid down by her Majesty’s government. I beg permission to remind your lordship of the remonstrances which were promptly made a short time since, in the case of one of the vessels of the United States, for proceedings of a far less exceptionable character.

Not doubting the disposition of her Majesty’s government to do full justice in the premises, I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,